An ingrown toenail occurs when one or both sides of the toenail begin to grow into the skin, causing pain and swelling. The condition most commonly affects the big toes and can lead to infection due to the bacteria present on the feet and inside shoes.
How Do Ingrown Toenails Happen?
The main cause of ingrown toenails is improper nail trimming. Cutting toenails too short or rounding them off can cause the skin around the nail to grow over the edges, leading to the nail growing into the skin. Tearing nails instead of cutting them also increases the likelihood of developing an ingrown toenail.
Other common causes include:
- Tight shoes: Shoes that don’t fit well, especially if they are too tight, can press the skin over the nail, causing it to grow inward.
- Toe injuries: Severe injuries to the toe can cause the nail to fall off. As the nail regrows, it may grow in an ingrown manner.
- Repeated activity: Repetitive activities like kicking a ball can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails.
How Can You Tell if a Nail Is Ingrown?
Signs of an ingrown toenail include:
- Pain around the edge of the nail
- Swelling around the affected area
- Pink or red skin
If the toenail becomes infected, additional signs may include:
- Increased pain
- Discharge of liquid or pus
- Warmth and a bad smell from the toe
How Can I Care for an Ingrown Toenail?
If caught early, ingrown toenails can often be treated at home:
- Soak the affected foot in warm saltwater for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day, to relieve discomfort. You can make saltwater by adding 1–2 teaspoons of Epsom salt or table salt to warm water.
- To prevent the nail from growing back into the skin, place a small piece of dry cotton under the corner of the nail to lift it slightly.
- Apply antibiotic cream to the irritated area twice daily to help prevent infection.
If the pain worsens or does not improve, contact your doctor.
When Should I See the Doctor for an Ingrown Toenail?
While ingrown toenails might seem minor, they can become serious if an infection develops. If you notice signs of infection like discharge, warmth, or a foul smell, see a doctor. A podiatrist (foot specialist) may need to remove the corner of the nail and drain any pus that has built up. Before doing so, the doctor will numb the area to make the procedure painless.
In severe or recurring cases, minor surgery may be required to remove a larger portion of the nail or the entire nail to prevent the problem from returning.
What Else Should I Know?
To prevent ingrown toenails:
- Cut your toenails straight across and avoid trimming them too short.
- Avoid tearing or ripping your nails.
- Wear shoes that fit properly to avoid unnecessary pressure on your toenails.
Following these tips can help prevent the discomfort of ingrown toenails and avoid infections in the future.